Product Details

• Actors: Peter Coyote, Stockard Channing, Robert Loggia, Peter Boyle, Cindy Pickett
• Format: Color, EP, NTSC
• Rated: Unrated
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Anchor Bay
• VHS Release Date: November 1, 1990
• Run Time: 235 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000039N9
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #171,462 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Based on a true story, it is a drama of psychological intrigue, conspiracy and murder. It began in 1979 with the grisly discovery of school teacher Susan Reinert's nude, battered body. It ended seven years later, after on the most massive homicide investigations in history... a bizarre series of crimes orchestrated by two twisted killers: William Bradfield, arespected, charming high school English teacher with the Charles Manson-like ability to manipulate, decieve and murder: and Dr. Jay Smith, a high school principal and Army Reserve officer who led a shocking double life as a would-be pornographer and convicted thief. No one could believe they were killers-except their victims. A chilling odyssey into the dark heart of evil.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dated, but still compelling, February 3, 2005

By 

M. Brothers (Cincinnati OH/King of Prussia PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Echoes in the Darkness [VHS] (VHS Tape)

To those from the King of Prussia Area (like myself), there are references and allusions to places (VF park, etc.) and some interesting exaggerated portrayal of characters, some of which I had for teachers (Pat Schnure, Vince Valaitis)

To those not from the area, it is still a sickening psychological drama that will keep you locked to the TV for the full 4+ hours (ended up watching it till 3 in the morning). The outcome is known, but the choppiness of the plot keeps the viewer actively watching, trying to figure out what has happend, and what is about to happen. The end of the movie with the cases ties everything together to leave the viewer highly satisfied. For those who like intellectually stimulating movies, a must-see. For those who are more interested in comedy, thrills, or screams, you'll turn it off in the first 10 minutes.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Leaves something to be desired, September 27, 2002

By 

"desolatemm" (northern,new jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Echoes in the Darkness [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Dated, by todays standards, but still compelling. First half is interesting, and you are glued to the screen trying to absord the information given by Coyote's character, yet hoping he turns out to be the good guy. Little by little we're given bits and pieces of what happened, but only through Coyote's character, who turns out to be a manipulating deceiver, cold and scary with his Manson like powers over less experienced people.The second half is confusing, and Coyote and Loggia are off screen for nearly forty minutes. In the ending court-room drama, we don't see a flashback or re-inactment of what "supposedly" happened to this female school teacher and her two children. I guess both Coyote's character, Bill Bradfield, and Loggia as Dr. Smith did commit the crime. But, we as viewers don't feel or see any concrete evidence, and this leaves something to be desired. Based on a true story that took place in 1979 in Pennsylvania, and a case that lasted seven years. Just too many questions left unanswered. Yet, Loggia is awesome, and scary (wait until you see those "eyes".) And it's always a pleasure to see Peter Coyote, a very under-rated actor. I don't know...maybe I should've read the book instead.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant, clever, and hypnotic piece of work..., August 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Echoes in the Darkness [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Coyote and Loggia are utterly compelling in their roles. One watches a nauseating conspiracy emerge tortuously and impossibly between these two apparently (largely)unconnected weirdos. The horror, when it appears, is all the more convincing for having been rendered implausible before.